How to reduce dark circles: A complete guide

Dealing with dark circles is a challenge that is quite common these days. When they show up, they can make you look exhausted. However, it isn’t something to worry about unless the underlying cause is a medical complication. To reduce dark circles, you have to understand why you have them in the first place. Dark circles can appear for an array of reasons but with home remedies, special creams, and lifestyle changes, you can nourish and care for them.

What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles, also known as under-eye circles or periorbital hyperpigmentation, are areas of dark discoloration that appear under the eyes. They often manifest as a bluish, brownish, or purplish tint that makes the skin under the eyes look darker than the surrounding areas. Dark circles are very common.

Why Do Dark Circles Occur?

  • Genetics: Do your parents have dark circles? That might be the cause of yours. Genetics can play a significant role in developing dark circles. If you have darker under-eye skin from a very young age, this is likely to be the reason.
  • Aging: Aging causes the skin under the eyes to become thinner. This makes blood vessels more prominent, leading to the appearance of dark circles.
  • Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause blood vessels to dilate and become more visible, making dark circles more pronounced.
  • Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and swelling, resulting in dark circles.
  • Sun Exposure: Overexposure to the sun can increase the production of melanin, which can darken the skin under the eyes.
  • Dehydration: Lack of proper hydration can cause the skin to become dull and make dark circles more apparent.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema or anemia, can contribute to the development of dark circles.
  • Eye Strain: Straining your eyes by staring at various screens can also lead to dark circles.

Dark circles are mostly harmless unless they are caused by some underlying health complication. If you have persistent dark circles, it is best to consult a dermatologist. You can also try using an under-eye cream that has peptides. Rose Boost has a rich formula that works on sensitive areas under your eyes to help reduce dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Rose extract is known for its antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage and considerably improve the skin texture under and around the eyes. It also has a cooling and calming effect on the skin. This fast-absorbing cream is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested too.

How to Manage Dark Circles at Home

Are you a DIY skincare enthusiast? Have you wondered how to reduce dark circles naturally? Try out these simple home remedies.

  • Cucumber: Place chilled cucumber slices on your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes. Cucumbers have a cooling and soothing effect, and their anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce puffiness and lighten dark circles.
  • Potatoes: Apply thin potato slices or potato juice on the dark circles for about 15-20 minutes. Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents and can help lighten the skin.
  • Tea Bags: Steep two tea bags in hot water, then let them cool. Place the cooled tea bags over your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. Tea contains antioxidants and tannins that can help reduce swelling and discoloration.
  • Almond Oil: Gently massage a few drops of almond oil into the skin under your eyes before bed. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and can moisturize and nourish the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
  • Turmeric: Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a few drops of lemon juice to form a paste. Apply the paste to the dark circles, leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse off with cool water. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties that can help reduce dark circles.
  • Rose Water: Soak cotton pads in cold rosewater and place them on your closed eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Rosewater has a soothing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and can help reduce dark circles.
  • Coconut or Olive Oil: Gently massage a small amount of coconut oil onto the skin under your eyes before going to bed. Coconut oil can help moisturize and nourish the skin. You can also use olive oil if you can’t find food-grade coconut oil.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the dark circles and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties that can improve skin texture.
  • Cold Milk: Soak cotton balls in cold milk and place them on your closed eyelids for 15-20 minutes. The lactic acid in milk can help lighten dark circles.
  • Mint: Crush a few fresh mint leaves and apply the paste to your dark circles for 10-15 minutes. Mint has a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin. You can also add cucumber juice to the mix for better results.

Lifestyle Changes for Dark Circles

While home remedies are great, it is important to understand what is causing your dark circles to treat them better. If you have used skincare products and natural packs without them showing any significant change, it is best to visit a doctor.

To reduce dark circles through lifestyle changes, prioritize getting enough quality sleep, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stay well-hydrated, protect your skin from sun exposure, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Use an eye cream every day to nourish and care for your under-eye skin. Managing stress and long screen time, as well as practicing good skincare habits, can also help improve the appearance of your under-eye area.

FAQs

Q. Is it possible for dark circles to fade?

A. Yes, you can take steps to fade dark circles under your eyes. Some effective methods include getting enough sleep, managing allergies, using topical creams or serums, applying cold compresses, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and hydration.

Q. Is rose water good for dark circles?

A. Rose water can be soothing for the skin, but its effectiveness in fading dark circles is limited. While it may help reduce puffiness and provide some hydration to the under-eye area, it may not significantly lighten dark circles. Using specific skincare products like Rose Boost which is designed to target dark circles may be more effective.

Q. How can I lighten my under-eye area?

A. To lighten the under-eye area, you can try the following:

  • Get enough sleep to ensure you're well-rested.
  • Use repairing under-eye cream like Rose Boost.
  • Apply cold compresses to reduce puffiness and improve blood circulation.
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen or sunglasses.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Manage allergies or underlying medical conditions contributing to dark circles.

Related Stories

Quiz: Which Self-care Ritual Should I Practice?
Discover The Untold Story of 82°E
Dark Circles: Our Guide to Everything You Need to Know
The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle in Controlling Oily Skin
Our Guide to Skincare Routines for Oily Skin
How to Know Your Skin Type: A Definitive Guide
What is Vegan Skincare?
Why Jasmine Breeze Should be Your Handy Hydration Companion
Quiz: Do I Have Oily Skin?
Quiz: Do I Need an Eye Cream?
Why We Created Rose Boost: A Conversation With Our R&D Team
Basics of Layering: How to Apply Your Skincare Products
The Five Most Common Under-Eye Concerns and What To Do About Them
Spotlight on our Indian Ingredient: Rose, The Eternal Symbol of Beauty and Love
  • Discover The Untold Story of 82°E

    Discover The Untold Story of 82°E

    Back in 2021, When our co-founders Deepika Padukone and Jigar K. Shah were conceptualising what the brand would look like, their idea was simple: to create products, rituals, and a...

  • What is Vegan Skincare?

    What is Vegan Skincare?

    We live in a world where our choices are increasingly scrutinised for their impact on our planet and its inhabitants. Skincare has not been left out of this conversation—and committed...

  • Quiz: Do I Have Oily Skin?

    Quiz: Do I Have Oily Skin?

    The first step in establishing an effective skincare routine is determining your skin type, so you can choose the skincare products that best suit you. In this interactive quiz, we’re...

  • Quiz: Do I Need an Eye Cream?

    Quiz: Do I Need an Eye Cream?

    With all the information out there, building a skincare routine can feel overwhelming. And since our mission is to make the practice of skincare as simple and effective as possible,...